Altering the structure and properties of iron oxide nanoparticles and graphene oxide/iron oxide composites by urea

- Iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles were directly grown on graphene oxide (GO) using a facile microwave assistant method.
- The effect of urea concentration on Fe2O3 nanoparticles and GO/Fe2O3 composite was examined.
- Increasing urea concentration altered the morphology and decreased the particle size.
- The increased concentration of urea induced a larger surface area with more active sites in the Fe2O3 nanoparticles.
- The increase in urea concentration led to decreased thermal stability of the Fe2O3 nanoparticles.